But workers in the industry say they are being overlooked by some production companies intent on profits over the interests of their workers.

An exclusive first look by the Star at interim results of a survey taken by the Canadian Media Guild say workers complain that long hours, lack of security and benefits are some of the big issues that need to be addressed in the burgeoning industry.

“Factual TV is the new frontier and the business has really grown, which is great. But the downside to this is some workers who are saying that they’ve given their blood, sweat and tears in an industry that is open to abuse,” says Karen Wirsig of the Canadian Media Guild.

The union decided to conduct a survey after being approached by reality TV workers about working conditions, Wirsig says.

While long hours and demanding conditions are not unusual in the film and television industry, reality TV productions typically have smaller budgets, hire more freelancers and work on tighter deadlines, which could exacerbate poor working conditions, says the union.

Workers are also afraid of complaining for fear they won’t be hired the next time.

One reason that broadcasters are green-lighting reality is that it’s relatively cheap to produce: no actors to pay and prizes are usually provided by some form of sponsorship.

But the bottom line mentality may be having an impact on worker health.

“I love working in the business, but the conditions can be very difficult,” says Denise O’Connell, an Oakville writer, director and story editor who has worked in TV for two decades.

“I don’t think the producers are out there deliberately saying let’s go exploit people, but I think the economics and the bottom line is driving the industry and it’s impacting workers.”

O’Connell calls reality TV the “wild wild West” of the entertainment business, where sometimes shortcuts are taken to ensure deadlines.

“It could be as small as not giving proper lunches or supplying food, to real health and safety violations,” says O’Connell.

The conditions also make it difficult for working mothers such as O’Connell, who has two young children, to stay in the business.

BECTU wants producers to sign on to a voluntary code of practice that would see a maximum 11-hour day and two days off each week for workers.

Reality TV has been a big boon to the Toronto film industry. Currently filming in the city are Canadian Pickers, Cash Cab and Come Dine With Me.

The Toronto film and TV industry surpassed the billion-dollar mark in 2012 and is headed for another healthy year in 2013.

The lion’s share of production was in television, representing more than 70 per cent of spending by production companies.

Toronto film commissioner Randy McLean says the city doesn’t break out reality TV shoots from scripted series, but he says that component “has certainly seen a lot of growth over the years.”

However, McLean said his office has not heard complaints about working conditions.

A Toronto producer who is helming two reality shows says factual TV budgets are tight, necessitating the need for flexibility with staff.

“We ultimately have to sell this to the broadcasters and we have to give them quality, but also at a reasonable production cost base,” says the producer, who did not wish to be named. “There may be some exceptions to the rule, but I think overall, we do a good job of providing quality working conditions.”

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